Explore Hiroshima with a Cannondale Topstone! City Ride Edition - Test bikes are available in-store.

I borrowed the Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty, a gravel road bike available for test rides at Grumpy, and rode it through the streets of Hiroshima.

The test bike is a size S, which is ideal for riders between 160cm and 175cm tall.

In Hiroshima, if you just step off the main roads and head towards the mountains or riverbanks, you'll quickly find gravel roads nearby, allowing you to enjoy a ride right away.

Depending on where you live, you might even be able to combine bike commuting with gravel riding.

I immediately set out for a cycling trip on the Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty.

First, I'll start along the coast!

This is what the bike looks like. I'm 172cm tall, and the BB-TOP (distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the saddle) is set at 680mm.

Cannondale's Lefty fork not only performs well, but its appearance has a tremendous impact. Its uniqueness is unforgettable, so if you like distinctive bikes, choose the Lefty fork!

The Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty comes standard with a dropper seat post.

It's incredibly useful not only for gravel but also for riding on trails with uneven terrain. Even in city riding, you can lower the saddle at traffic lights and wait while seated, which is super convenient.

The Kingpin suspension on the seat tube is arguably the most crucial part of the Topstone Carbon.

The entire frame is structured like a leaf spring, and when riding, it flexes well, providing a very comfortable ride.

Combined with the Lefty fork (gravel-specific suspension), the Carbon 2 Lefty is essentially a full-suspension gravel bike.

Now, let's actually ride it. First, on paved roads.

Naturally, it rides smoothly without any issues. Even with minor cracks or bumps on the road, there's no need to worry!

I thought it might be a bit heavy to ride with 700x44c tires, but the moment I started, that thought vanished because it was so light.

I had heard that many overseas cyclists favor the Topstone Carbon for brevet rides and ultra-long rides (over 200km), and riding it on paved roads made me understand why!

The Topstone Carbon falls into the gravel road bike category. However, its performance on paved roads is also exceptionally high, and the Kingpin suspension makes the ride incredibly comfortable.

It's recommended not only for rough roads but also for those who want to ride comfortably for long periods.

Next, I ventured into grassy terrain.

The exquisite suspension of the gravel-specific Lefty fork made it incredibly comfortable.

It easily navigated over hidden bumps and dips in the grass. The scent of the grass was also pleasant, leaving me feeling refreshed and wanting to keep riding.

I also went on a mini-trail with exposed tree roots. This is truly where the Topstone Carbon comes into its own. The Lefty fork at the front absorbs impacts,

while the Kingpin suspension at the rear absorbs impacts.

What I felt after riding here was that the Topstone Carbon has riding performance comparable to a cross-country MTB.

With gravel road bikes evolving to this extent, you can now enjoy trails that you might typically ride on an MTB without fear.

It's comfortable on paved roads and comfortable off-road. This doesn't mean it's mediocre; rather, the appeal of the Topstone Carbon is its ability to handle any surface at a high level.

Of course, I also went for a ride on a gravel road. The Topstone Carbon's riding performance felt so similar to riding on paved roads that I could truly ride without any hesitation.

The front and rear suspension and tubeless tires enhanced grip and cushioning, allowing for confident handling and a comfortable ride free from any rattling sensations in the handlebars.

Now, the Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty complete bike comes with a dropper seat post. While it offers the advantage of easier positioning when moving your hips behind the saddle on rough trails, it also has a practical benefit on paved roads: you can lower the saddle at traffic lights and stop while straddling the bike.

It's so convenient that once you start using it, it's hard to stop.

A characteristic of the Cannondale Topstone series is that the front wheel is designed to be further forward.

This means your toes are less likely to hit the tire even if they move forward, allowing for stress-free and relaxed rides.

It's a significant advantage for people who often ride at a leisurely pace or those who frequently stop and go in city rides, as toes hitting the tire can stain shoes or cause dangerous snags.

The Lefty fork also has a lockout feature. You can turn a lever to set the suspension not to operate, so try your preferred setting depending on the road conditions.

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty is a versatile gravel road bike that can be enjoyed in various environments, from city streets to grassy paths, parks, and coastal roads. It's a bike that truly excels in a wide range of activities, from long-distance rides to trail riding.

If you're interested in owning various bikes like MTBs, road bikes, and touring bikes but have limited parking or space, consolidating into this one bike might be a great option!

If you want to know more about the Cannondale Topstone, please check out this blog post.

About "Cannondale Topstone", a gravel road bike to enjoy all terrains of Hiroshima

The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 2 Lefty mentioned in this article is available for test rides at our store. Please come and experience its comfortable ride for yourself.

Also, please check here for Cannondale bikes in stock at Grumpy.